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Aug 27, 2023

Titans rookie QB Levis seeing 'a lot better' after eye surgery

Ryan Tannehill explains what it's like having DeAndre Hopkins as a teammate and shares his mindset heading into the final year of his contract with the Titans. (0:45) NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee

Ryan Tannehill explains what it's like having DeAndre Hopkins as a teammate and shares his mindset heading into the final year of his contract with the Titans. (0:45)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Will Levis grew tired of worrying about falling asleep without taking his contact lenses out or fumbling with his glasses, so he took action about his nearsightedness.

On Wednesday, Levis revealed that he underwent a surgical procedure in June to improve his long-distance vision. The specific type of lenses known as EVO Visian Implantable Collamer Lenses (EVO ICL) were implanted into Levis' eyes via a small incision.

After a brief recovery period, Levis was back in action while the team was off before training camp. Now he says he can see things more clearly when he takes the field.

"I've been seeing it a lot better in comparison to the spring," Levis said. "Obviously I've had more reps at this level now, but the eyesight is a big part of it."

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Levis estimated he dealt with the issue for the last 12 years. He found relief knowing he doesn't have to wear contacts any longer, especially when they can sometimes fall out during games. >Having dealt with the vision issue for half his life, the corrective procedure was something that Levis had thought about before. But he never looked into having it done until recently. After researching different vision correction methods, Levis decided to go with EVO ICL.

"I needed to be really careful with the decision," Levis said. "Being a quarterback, my vision, how I see the field is everything."

Levis has been locked in a competition with second-year quarterback Malik Willis for the No. 2 quarterback job throughout training camp. He played 30 snaps in the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears and completed nine out of 14 attempts for 85 yards and an interception.

The years before the procedure didn't stop him from having a standout career at Kentucky where had 5,232 passing yards, 43 touchdown passes and 23 interceptions while completing 65.7% of his throws. He also accounted for 11 touchdowns on the ground. Levis earned consideration for the Heisman Trophy entering his final collegiate season and was projected to be an early first-round pick in the draft.

The Titans sent the 41st and 72nd picks in 2023, plus a 2024 third-round selection to the Arizona Cardinals to move up to No. 33 to select Levis. Tennessee also acquired the 81st pick in the trade which they used to select running back Tyjae Spears.

The jump in talent level from college to the NFL surprised Levis. He noticed how certain types of throws that he was able to do before are "not going to fly in the NFL." That challenge of being able to play against the best is something that Levis relishes.

Titans coach Mike Vrabel's suggestion to Levis after his first NFL action was simple.

"Just take what they give you,” Vrabel said. "Getting in the flow of things and seeing the different [defensive] rotations."

Levis left the second joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings because of a lower-body injury that also kept him out of the final two preseason games. But Levis has continued to take part in practice and resume his fight for the backup quarterback spot.